Student Responsibilities
As a visitor to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, your presence in the
U.S. is regulated by the Department of Homeland Security and SEVP, the Student &
Exchange Visitor Program.
The system which has been developed for tracking date for F-1 and J-1 visa holders is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
You have several resources for understanding the regulations:
It is of the utmost importance that you communicate all questions and concerns regarding your legal status in the United States to your SMU International Advisor. This person is at SMU specifically to guide you in matters of compliance with U.S. government regulations, which determines your ability to stay in the United States.
The guidelines for your maintaining your legal visa status are on page 2 of your I-20 if you have a F visa, and on page 2 of your DS-2019 if you have a J visa.
Ultimately, it is your responsibility to understand the regulations by which your stay in the U.S. is governed and to comply with these regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in serious consequences, including the possibility of termination of your academic program, arrest, and deportation.
As an F or J visa holder, you were admitted to the U.S. for “duration of status” (D/S is found on the white I-94 card in your passport and on your I-20 or DS-2019). You should have received the white I-94 card when you arrived in the United States. The I-94 card documents what immigration status you hold in the United States. This is very important to understand. The I-94 card with the D/S mark means you are permitted to stay in the U.S. as long as you maintain your status by fulfilling the requirements of your visa.
Keep in mind that there is an important difference between your visa and your status. The visa is a stamp or sticker placed in your passport by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate official and is granted for entry purpose only. Even if your visa is valid, you can lose your legal F or J visa “status” if you do not continue to comply with immigration regulations governing your stay in the U.S.
